The Life of Kye

Has 2017 been good? I'm not sure how to answer that.

I was hesitant to do this series mainly because of fear of how people will think of me. The general public has a habit of labeling Christians as self-righteous, hypocritical, judgmental, with a "holier-than-thou" attitude, and many more. Spiritual talk isn't appealing for those who do not believe them (unless it will make them rich.) Christianity has acquired a negative name through the years, and with my own history of mistakes and wrongdoings, I take part of the blame. Sharing your belief doesn't make you perfect, or holy, or pious in any way. I know some people who share verses and quote their pastors in a regular basis, but those proclamations do not necessarily match their way of life. When you share a quote whether it's from the Bible or a famous person, whether you like it or not, people will associate what you posted with your current life situation. You cannot separate your online status to your real status. You can't hashtag your way into r...

First Christmas as husband and wife.  We're further away from tradition this year because of certain circumstances - December 25 falling on a Sunday, and Tatay spending Christmas in the hospital. Not the most ideal holiday ambiance, but we're thankful nonetheless. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, not the traditions. Responding to Stroke | The First Few Days We used a steam iron to "erase" wrinkles in the cloth. We spent Christmas Eve decorating our church auditorium.

Tuesday is teacher's day. That's how it has been since September. My husband and I are also volunteer teachers for Values Instruction Class. By the way, teaching values doesn't make any of us perfect. We just happened to be available and able to teach kids. Every values lesson becomes a mirror wherein we see our own spiritual situation before we can teach others. Aside from the kids learning from these lessons, we learn as well.  On our way to class! Please excuse my sans make-up face. I didn't expect my husband to sign up to teach grade school because he claims he has "little patience for children." I think he's having fun teaching he just won't admit it. 

We've been taught that for God to move, we must move first. He then counteracts our move. His move will always be better than our moves. Therefore, to release His best moves, we should move better. The better we move, the better God moves. Bottomline: He will never move unless we do. WE'VE BEEN TAUGHT WRONG. This illustration is misleading! By comparing Christian life to a chess game we think: "If I serve really well, God will reward me well." "If I give a lot of money to offerings, God will multiply the money that's left." "If I pray really hard for something, God will answer it for sure." Chess works this way. The players take turns. No move, no counter. How it looks like: the believer challenges God to make a move. First of all, I am not a Bible scholar. I am just posting my personal insight on the subject. Your opinions insights, and corrections are welcome. Just leave a comment, but ple...

A Birthday, A Values Class and A Music Class - what I've been up to the past two weeks of blogger inactivity. We suspended our diet again thanks to Nanay Maxima's 70th birthday bash in Bulacan, which also gave us the opportunity to celebrate for Nanay Elena's birthday. Around 30 people from our church came. Fellowship started as soon as we meet. Kwentuhan sa sasakyan. (Chatting during the travel.) We could not avoid talking about the tragedy of how our church was divided, but people are just laughing about the issue. There's a sense of security knowing that God allowed it to happen, and He knows what will happen next. Right now, we're just happy and blessed in each other's company.

I have been warned about him. Still, I chose him. I remember one stressful afternoon. The pastor called me up telling me, "Huwag ka na sasama kay Roy. [Stay away from him] He's b*llsh*t." He repeated the same unprintable words with more unprintable words but with the same message. I have to stay away from him. Pastor said so. Then he hung up. I was still shocked. Why would he say those things? Why would a pastor call up a church member to bad-mouth another? And why would a pastor even bad-mouth anybody? Is my friend that despicable? I couldn't respond to him while he was still ranting. After the call, I tried to internalize the conversation. There was so much disappointment and hatred in his voice. I simply assumed that the pastor and Roy had an argument and I hoped for it to be resolved. But for him to call me up and bad-mouth my friend... that really confused me. It confused me about how I see him as a pastor. It confused me of how I see Roy. ...

I feel like being back to the ship after being washed away in the middle of the sea on a broken raft. via GIPHY One of the more common effects of loss is wanting to be isolated from the world.  Even when I remained active in social media, I maintained a distance from people, both physically and emotionally. When I couldn't avoid meeting people, I try to compose myself. There are still feelings I do not feel comfortable sharing with others, even those closest to me.

image from PIXABAY Finally out of the hospital, home and settled. via GIPHY I was confined for almost two days to remove the remains of my failed pregnancy, a blighted ovum I carried in my womb for 14 weeks. The Firstborn That Wasn't Meant to Be (READ HERE) This is my detailed account of the procedure. Having a D&C (Journal) - (READ HERE) In case you're wondering what it was like after the operation, I assure you that it's okay. The operation itself wasn't as scary as I thought it was. The effects vary among women but I can tell you that it's manageable. If you need more information about recovering from D&C, feel free to read this article. TMI (Too Much Information) about feminine reproductive health. (Maybe okay for ladies but uncomfortable for guys). If you're a guy and still want to read on... you've been warned.

I was praying for a go signal from God if I should go through the procedure or still wait for a natural miscarriage. It was confirmed that I had a failed pregnancy - a blighted ovum. The Firstborn That Wasn't Meant to Be (READ HERE) I know we've already discussed. Hubby and I have agreed but I still have doubts. Until the last minute at home, I was still contemplating. A Proper Goodbye (READ HERE) I DO NOT, IN ANY WAY, PROMOTE ABORTION THROUGH D&C! This journal might be of help to those who are diagnosed with blighted ovum and a failed pregnancy. Remember. You are not alone. I hope this post will help give you an idea and help prepare you if you ever decide to have a D&C. view from the bed, inside the ob-gyne clinic Sorry for the TMI (Too Much Information) This post is not necessarily gory but it has details that may be uncomfortable for people to read. If you're that kind of people, STOP RIGHT HERE. Also, this post is really long.

Image from  PIXABAY Up to last Friday I was still conflicted whether to wait to miscarry naturally or to go with the d&c (dilation and curettage) or raspa . One of my concerns is the fact that d&c is a procedure also used in abortion and I am STRONGLY AGAINST abortion.

I wish I never had to go through this but it seems that God has another plan... Forsaken by his brothers, didn’t fit the scene Being made a slave was not what Joseph dreamed The coat of many colors was stained with blood and lies But from this divine appointment, a ruler would arise  When God has another plan, walk on and just say yes When God has another plan, be assured that He knows best When all your dreams are shattered, rest in His sufficient grace We don’t have to understand, when God has another plan Alone and broken hearted, questions fill your mind Changes can be hard that come by God’s design But if you could see tomorrow with a view from Heaven’s Throne Every unexpected struggle has led you closer home It's funny. I learned this song around the time I was two weeks pregnant. As you noticed, the title already projects sad vibes. I do not intend to bring discouragement. I'm writing this because...

image from  PIXABAY No. I'm not Catholic, but as a Filipino citizen, I have an opinion. By the way,  I'm a Bible Baptist . Since we won't agree on faith and beliefs, I'll try my best to express my opinions in the most secular way possible. See the news: Tagle issues 'oratio imperata' for incoming gov’t officials Oratio Imperata has already been implemented in Catholic churches in Metro Manila, and other municipalities in the country. It's a specific prayer for the government recited during the mass. I'm basing this information from the news. I think you'll agree The government NEEDS prayers. Prayers work wonders if you have faith. Implementation of Oratio Imperata: A Political Move?

The holidays, and 2015 have been good to us, just as God has intended. In the beginning of 2016, I have a design project and several other project opportunities, Roy and I are preparing for our wedding, and our church is continuing to move forward. God is definitely healing us from all the pains of 2015, and guiding us to a better 2016. 2016 will be the year when everything changes. This fact is finally sinking in. God's Goodness in 2015 view from the balcony Who would have thought what happened to our church would be a blessing in disguise? Yes, we burned bridges, but we also built new ones. It was painful to experience a church being split, but God has restored His church and is continuing to do so. It is not worth holding on to the identity of a 'religious' sect that worships the 'pastor' more than the Lord and Savior of our souls. It is not worth holding on to 'properties' and 'facilities'  that are substandard, cost...

Our weekend so far... I just had an unplanned retail therapy with my mother. With the Christmas season closing in, bargain centers like Divisoria and Baclaran are crowded during the remaining weekends. Baclaran and Divisoria are bargain centers where most merchandise are sold in bulk. Divisoria's proximity to the port makes it the place where you can buy almost anything from fashion items to technology to local and imported fruits and vegetables. Baclaran is a lot smaller to Divisoria in area and has less items. It's more known for selling clothing and shoes. Suprisingly, Baclaran has less visitors than I expected on a weekend  (or less vendors because of the clearing operations) during our latest visit. It finally made sense when my brother said, "Malinis na ang Baclaran." (Baclaran is clean now.) The clearing operation was effective. Underwear was on the top of the list. We bought panties! A lot of them! What an accomplishment! We bought some clothes tha...

Gawaing TRAPO: Premature Campaigning in Pasay City credits: Pixabay.com Pinoy definition for non-Pinoys TRAPO an abbreviation for  TRAditional POliticians -  corrupt government officials who employ various tactics to persuade the common people to vote for them over and over again. also a Tagalog word for rag or a cloth you use for cleaning, a dirty rag Around 5:00 PM yesterday, I was working in my room, I heard sound systems being set up in our neighbors' (I'm pertaining to the next street at the back of our house. My bedroom window is facing their lot.) We got used to them having parties late at night, especially on holidays. I immediately thought, "May videoke na naman sa kabila." [They're going to have a karaoke party again.]  I went downstairs to do some chores. At around 6:00 PM, the party had begun. I wasn't bothered at all because I planned to sleep downstairs anyway. My parents and my brother will be going to the cemetery...

I liked being her friend. I never saw her frown. She always smiles at me. She always says the nicest things. She is such an encouragement. Her laugh is contagious. She is industrious and dedicated. She is deeply concerned with my welfare. I admired a man who was almost always cheerful, bright and positive. He always has that glow in his face that seems to be coming from the inside. He walks like he has springs on his feet. He sings most enthusiastically. He speaks loud and proud. He is a motivator. He is fun to be with. He could do no wrong to anyone. I used to dream of becoming like her. She is smart and feisty. She is never afraid to speak her mind. She is honest to the point of being vulnerable. She is not a stereotype. I respected and followed a man who was the perfect leader. He is proud when he needs to be. He is a principled man. He sacrifices for the cause he believes in. He is charismatic. He is witty and funny ...